Govt’s private hospital contracts little more than Band-Aid

The Government’s directive to give private hospitals 10-year outsourcing contracts to perform elective surgeries is yet another step down the path of privatisation in our healthcare system.

“This is a clear signal from this Government that they have no intention, now or in the future, to properly resource a strong, publicly delivered system,” says the Green Party’s Co-Leader, Marama Davidson.

“Our communities across the motu understand the value of a system built on equity, access, and care – not profit.

“We only need to look to countries like the United States to see the dire effects of a private system: care directed by market forces rather than need, worse outcomes for many, and a much greater cost in the long run.

“On home soil, instead of investing in public hospitals and frontline workers, successive governments have allowed the public system to be stretched to breaking point. We can’t expect our public healthcare system to sustain us all when it is on life support itself.

“We have an opportunity to give the public system the investment it needs, fixing the problem for good. Instead, this government is siphoning off desperately needed investment to meet its short-term targets by putting this money into the for-profit, private system.

“Once again, we are seeing the Government paving the slippery slope into privatisation, underfunding the public system and eroding New Zealanders’ confidence in it, until the only viable option looks like private care.

“A Green Government would offer free GP visits to all, and ensure the public health system receives the support it deserves.

“Rather than leaning on private healthcare and leaving thousands out in the cold like the current Government, we can take control and build a health system that supports all of us and leaves nobody behind,” says Marama Davidson.

Action

Overseas Student Loan survey

Fill out our survey about your experience living overseas with a student loan.

Action

Green Party differing view on the Treaty Principles Bill

Read our differing view on the Treaty Principles Bill.

Action

Right to Repair Petition

Sign & share the petition encouraging Minister Simpson to support the Right to Repair Bill today!

Action

Allow Pacific visitors visa-free access

Sign our petition for waiver-free visa access for 'aiga from the Pacific Islands

Action

Save school lunches

Sign our petition to restore proper funding for school lunches.

Volunteer

The Greens are proud to be driven by passionate people like you. Today we need your help to take action on the biggest issues facing Aotearoa. Volu...

Action

Local Events

We have activists across Aotearoa / New Zealand who are working hard to build a brighter future for our kids and grandkids. This page lists upcomin...

Latest Health Announcements

Story

NZ’s Public Health system dealt yet another blow

This morning’s announcement by the Health Minister regarding a major overhaul of the public health sector levels yet another blow to the country’s ...

Report highlights urgent need for “life-changing” free dental care

ActionStation’s Oral Healthcare report, released today, paints a dire picture of unmet need and inequality across the country, highlighting the urg...

Covid Inquiry report underlines need to invest in Health

The Green Party says the report from the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Covid-19 Response underlines the need for proper investment in our he...

End of free RAT tests means more exposure to virus

The end of free Rapid Antigen Tests today is another sign the Government is giving up on the challenge of protecting the community from Covid-19.

Greens stand in solidarity with Buller community

The Green Party stands in solidarity with the Buller community in its silent protest for better healthcare.

A step forward on cancer drug funding but more to do

The Green Party welcomes the announcement of more funding for cancer treatments and medicines, however, calls for more to be done to address the se...